Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park

Situated in the east and north-east of the Andalusian province of Jaénthe Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park (this is its full name) is a protected natural area and was classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1983, a Natural Park in 1986 and a Special Protection Area for Birds in 1987.

When visiting this park, it is advisable, for example, to do so in autumn due to the immense variety of colours that can be found there, although spring is perhaps the most beautiful time, as it is the ideal time for its rich landscape in terms of the flowering of the species.

The total area of the park can reach 215,000 hectares, which are distributed in a total of 23 minicipalities with more than 80,000 inhabitants. It is also a very touristic area, since we can find beautiful places such as La Iruelaa small village dominated by its imposing castle, which is dominated by its imposing castle, the eastern face of which is Historical Monument in 1985.

Other places worth visiting include the Hunting Museum and Botanical Gardenthe Collado del Almendral Hunting Parkor the church of Santo Domingoattributed to the architect Andrés de Vandelvira.

Sierra de Segura in Jaén

There are many trails that run along the Sierra de Segura, so apart from being an ideal place for hiking. Here are a few routes and itineraries that you can follow:

GR 147 - La Sierra de Segura Profunda (The Deep Segura Mountains)The route takes you into the highlands and deep forests of the Sierra de Segura. It starts near Santiago de la Espada, the most isolated and highest municipality in the region, and ends in Siles, with a branch towards Benatae. We will find pine forests - the best preserved in Spain -, the source of the Segura River, small villages with white houses, deer, wild boar, golden eagles, etc.

Start: The ends of the route are in Santiago de la Espada, Siles and Benatae. Distance: 72 km.

Time: four days.

PR-A 197 - La Puerta de Segura - Summit of La BuitreraThis circular route takes us from La Puerta de Segura to the top of La Buitrera. During the first 2.5 kilometres the route goes through the valley of the Arroyo de Las Cañadas, ascending between orchards, olive groves, almond trees and small farmhouses. From the Fuente del Berral, the path zigzags through pine woods, crossing steep slopes that require a perhaps unexpected effort. In the warmer months we can see the short-toed eagle, squirrels abound and when it gets dark, it is common to hear the hooting of the tawny owl.

Distance: 10.4 km

Time: 5 h.

Difficulty: high.

PR-A 187 - Puente de Génave - Collado de la Piedra de la Alega (Alega stone pass)We will walk along forest tracks for most of the signposted trail, which runs through mountain olive groves, dotted with some orchards and pine forests of Aleppo and Black Pine. There are magnificent views of the valley of the River Guadalimar and the Sierra Morena and Salfaraf mountain ranges. It is worth taking a short detour to visit the villages of Peñolite and Los Yegüerizos.

Distance: 15.6 km (one way).

Time: 5 h. (one way).

Difficulty: medium.